Manchester United fans are hoping recent reports regarding a potential blockbuster summer signing turn out to be true amid the club's ongoing rebuild. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have joined the Red Devils as part of INEOS' shake-up of Ruben Amorim's squad.
The Reds continue to be linked with a new striker and the expectation is that they will move for either Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins or RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. A new number nine isn't the only position that fans feel needs attending to.
A new goalkeeper should be on the agenda amid Andre Onana's injury problems and even if the Cameroonian is fit for the Arsenal opener he has been dissapointing since arriving from Inter Milan. This should be the time to pounce for a new shot-stoper and a report from Italy has excited fans although many are being cautious.
Fans hope Gianluigi Donnarumma to Man United rumours are legitimate
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via centredevils) reports that United are "favourites", yes "favourites" to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. It's said that discussions have taken place between the player's representatives and the club regarding a potential move.
It's one thing convincing Mbeumo and Cunha to snub Champions League football for the chance to play a part in an Old Trafford revival. But enticing a Champions League winning goalkeeper to join a club enduring one of it's worst periods seems an almighty mission for INEOS.
Nevertheless, talk of the Italian being in discussions with the club has been met with hope from the fanbase on X. One fan wrote:
"I will be ecstatic if this happens. Him, Watkins and a midfielder!! That would be a superb window."
Another fan is praying it's true because Donnarumma is "elite":
"Please make this happen. We need an elite goal keeper and a player with elite winning mentality in our team to have a good season."
One supporter suggested the Euro 2020 winner is the missing piece:
"If this goes through United finally solve their keeper puzzle in style."
Donnarumma is heading towards a PSG exit due to a contract stand-off and the Parisians are already moving for a replacement. They want Lille's Lucas Chevalier but a stumbling block has reportedly emerged due to their French rivals struggling to sign a replacement, per L'Equipe.
The 26-year-old has a year left on his contract and was one of Luis Enrique's key men in their dominant Champions League triumph. He particularly impressed in wins over Liverpool and Arsenal en route to the Paris outfit becoming European champions for the first time.
What will happen to Andre Onana if Donnarumma arrives?
There's no hiding from the fact that Onana has failed to become the much-needed David de Gea replacement the club required. The Cameroonian goalkeeper arrived from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 for £42.5m but has made many costly mistakes between the sticks.
Onana picked up a hamstring injury ahead of pre-season in the USA which has threatened to rule him out of the Arsenal game on August 17. His future as Amorim's number one was already uncertain amid a frustrating past season.
If United were to swoop for Donnarumma there's little chance he'd be open to performing a backup role to the Italian. An exit would likely be on the cards and that might be best for all parties.